DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The annual Araw ng Dabaw celebrations took on a distinctly political tone this weekend, shifting focus from the city’s 89th charter anniversary to the 81st birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Thousands gathered Saturday, March 28, in a display of support for the former leader, who remains detained in The Hague facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court.
The day, traditionally marked with a civic parade on March 16, was deliberately rescheduled to coincide with Duterte’s birthday, transforming the event into a rally for his supporters and a demonstration of continued political strength within his home city. The shift underscores the enduring influence of the Duterte family in Davao, even as the former president faces serious legal challenges abroad.
The parade, lasting approximately five hours and winding through Roxas Avenue before culminating at San Pedro Square, drew a massive crowd. But beyond the festive atmosphere, a clear undercurrent of political messaging permeated the event, with supporters of Duterte using the occasion to call for his release and express solidarity with his family.
A City’s Celebration, A Family’s Rally
The events in Davao weren’t simply a celebration of cityhood; they were a carefully orchestrated display of political allegiance. The presence of key Duterte allies, including Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, signaled a united front. Congressional allies such as Isidro Ungab and Omar Duterte were also in attendance, further solidifying the family’s political network.
Banners proclaiming “Bring him home” were ubiquitous, carried by supporters and displayed prominently throughout the parade route and at San Pedro Square. The slogans reflected a deep-seated loyalty among Duterte’s base, who view his detention as politically motivated. The demonstration of support comes as Duterte’s legal team continues to contest the charges against him at the ICC.
Notably present was Senator Bong Go, a longtime aide to the former president, alongside figures like former elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon, former Marcos executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, former National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema, and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio. Their presence highlighted the broad coalition of support that Duterte continues to command.
Absent Faces and Shifting Alliances
The absence of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief closely associated with Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs,” was conspicuous. Dela Rosa has maintained a low profile in recent months amid speculation about a potential arrest warrant issued by the ICC, and has reportedly not attended Senate meetings since 2025, according to Rappler. His absence fueled further discussion about the legal pressures facing those connected to the former administration’s policies.
The gathering also revealed subtle shifts in political alliances. Mayor Sebastian Duterte, addressing the crowd at San Pedro Square, used the occasion to both advocate for his sister’s announced 2028 presidential bid and to voice criticism of the current administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This positioning suggests a potential divergence between the Duterte family and the Marcos government, despite Vice President Duterte having previously supported Marcos’s rise to power in 2022.
Duterte’s son emphasized the need to address rising crime rates and the resurgence of illegal drugs, invoking the “culture of security” that he claims characterized Davao City under his father’s leadership. This rhetoric appeared aimed at contrasting the current state of affairs with the perceived stability of the Duterte era.
Davao’s Enduring Loyalty
The events at San Pedro Square were dominated by groups identifying as DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters), demonstrating the continued strength of the former president’s grassroots movement. Chants and banners calling for Duterte’s return underscored the unwavering loyalty of his base, even as he faces legal battles abroad. A “Solidarity Walk” planned around the square further emphasized the organized effort to demonstrate support for the former leader on his birthday.
Davao City, inaugurated as a chartered city in 1937 under the presidency of Manuel L. Quezon, holds a unique place in Duterte’s political history. He began his career in local government as a vice mayor in 1986, following the EDSA People Power Revolution, and served as mayor for decades, building a powerful political dynasty in Mindanao. His rise to the presidency in 2016 cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in Philippine politics.
The Araw ng Dabaw celebrations, while ostensibly a civic event, served as a potent reminder of Duterte’s enduring influence in his home city and the continued mobilization of his supporters. The event highlighted the complex interplay between local celebrations, national politics, and the ongoing legal challenges facing the former president.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on the proceedings at the International Criminal Court. The next scheduled update from the ICC regarding the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity is expected in late 2026. The Duterte family and their supporters are likely to continue leveraging events like Araw ng Dabaw to maintain public support and advocate for the former president’s release.
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